In accordance with President Joko Widodo's instructions, the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Health has set the highest price limit for the Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) swab test.

"From the evaluation results, we agree that the highest limit for RT-PCR examinations has been lowered to Rp 275,000 for the islands of Java and Bali. Meanwhile, for areas outside the islands of Java and Bali, it is Rp 300,000 ," said Acting Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health,Abdul Kadir, during a press conference on Wednesday (27/10/2021), as quoted from InfoPublik.

Kadir explained, this latest upper price limit comes into effect immediately today. The results of the RT-PCR swab examination are issued with a maximum duration of 1x24 hours.

Mass swab test performed at Dr. Sardjito General Central Hospital, Yogyakarta. (Photo: RSUP Dr. Sardjito).

Kadir requested that all health care facilities such as hospitals, laboratories, and other inspection facilities that have been appointed to comply with the highest price limit of RT-PCR test.

He also urged the Provincial, Regency/City Health Offices to conduct guidance and supervision of the implementation of the highest tariff limits.

The evaluation was carried out by the Ministry of Health together with the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP) through the calculation of the cost of the RT-PCRP components.

"Those are services, reagan components and consumables, administrative cost components, and other cost components that we adjust to conditions," said Kadir. 

Previously, the Ministry of Health set the price for the PCR test at Rp 495,000  for Java and Bali and Rp 525,000 for outside Java and Bali.

On Sunday (24/10/2021), the government stipulates mandatory PCR test for airplane passengers. The mandatory rule of PCR testing for airplane passengers drew criticisms from various elements due to the higher price. In response, President Jokowi ordered a reduction in the price of PCR tests. The Ministry of Health has set the highest tariff for PCR tests in Java-Bali at IDR 275 thousand, while in other provinces IDR 300 thousand.

Seasons come and go leaving weather phenomenons that are increasingly chaotic. Massive floods and landslides hit various places in the northern hemisphere. Countries that were once thought to be able to manage their natural environment and spatial planning carefully, such as Canada, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and even Norway, can no longer avoid flooding. 

Not to mention the attacks of hot air waves and wildfires. In Canada, more than 500 thousand hectares (ha) of forest were burned. In Russia, 1.5 million ha of forests were also burned. Even in the United States, 3.5 million ha of forest were destroyed by wildfires in 2021 alone. The US is now known as a country prone to floods, forest fires, and tropical cyclones (hurricanes).

President Jokowi talks with residents while planting Mangrove Trees in Tritih Kulon Village, North Cilacap District, Cilacap Regency, Central Java. (Photo: Antara)

Weather is no longer a country-by-country phenomenon, but rather the impact of the global climate which has now been disrupted by climate change. Carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases need to be curbed so that climate change doesn't get worse. The world community is also moving to fight climate change, with a joint pledge through the 2015 Paris Agreement. The implementation of this agreement is collaborated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is under the auspices of the United Nations.

In the UNFCCC scheme, the fight against climate change is to reduce carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gases trap solar radiation energy in the atmosphere, and cause the air temperature to increase. The latest report shows that the concentration of CO2 in the air has reached 417 ppm as of February 2021, which means there has been a 50 percent increase since the last two centuries.

Critical concentration levels of 450–500 ppm are in sight. Nevertheless, the impacts of climate change are already being felt. The air is hotter and causes more water vapor in the atmosphere, which trap even more heat. Extreme weather appears in various forms, namely the erosion of icebergs in the polar rings, rainstorms, hot air waves, cold winds, extreme droughts and other extreme phenomenons.

The rate of increase in greenhouse gas concentrations needs to be curbed, and if possible reduced, so that the negative impact does not escalate further. The movement against climate change cannot be carried out only by certain countries. There must be a global movement. Of course, with different contributions from each country.

Energy Mix and Mangrove Forest

Indonesia is considered to be serious about taking part in the climate change mitigation movement. The use of renewable energy sources continues to be encouraged in electricity generation to reduce carbon emissions. Even though it is difficult, the target of the electric energy mix of 23 percent in 2025 and 28 percent in 2030, continues to be pursued.

The report on the achievement of the energy mix has become one of the highlights of the "Annual Report 2021", which was released by the Office of the Presidential Staff (KSP) and the Ministry of Communications and Informatics under the title "Indonesia Resilient, Indonesia Grows". It states that the energy mix is ​​carried out by, among other things, the operation of a Hybrid Power Plant, which combines solar, diesel and mini-hydro energy sources, wind power, geothermal, bioenergy, and hydroelectric power plants.

Until now, the mixed energy level is still around 11 percent of the total electricity generated in the country. An additional 2,000 MW of low-carbon power plants are needed to meet the target of 23 percent of the energy mix by 2025. Indonesia also wants to become a carbon neutral (net zero) country by 2060.

Government of Indonesia also continues to reduce the incidence of land and forest fires in effort to minimize carbon emission. In the 2021 report, it is stated that carbon emissions from forest and land fires can continue to be suppressed in line with the control of forest fires in Indonesia.

In 2018, Indonesia's forest and land fires caused the emission of 162.6 million tons of greenhouse gases equivalent to CO2 into the earth's atmosphere, and that number jumped to the level of 624.1 million in 2019. However, throughout 2020 emissions fell to 40.2 million tons, and in 2021 until August, the emission was recorded 29.6 million tons.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry noted that forest and land fires in the past six years have fluctuated with a downward trend. The coverage of forest and land fires cases was respectively 438 thousand ha in 2016, decreased to 165 thousand ha (2017), then increased to 529 thousand ha in 2018. The number significantly jumped to 1.649 million ha in 2019, but decreased to 296 thousand ha in 2020. Until July 2021, fires have ravaged 160 thousand ha of forests and lands. 

Another action taken by the government is policy improvement on deforestation and forest rehabilitation. The step taken by the government is to conduct a moratorium on oil palm plantations. There are no more new permits for the clearing of oil palm plantations on forest areas. This moratorium has been in place since 2016, but has only been confirmed through Presidential Instruction number 8/2018 which is valid for three years. However this moratorium has ended last September, but it is likely to be continued.

It is intended that by 2045 Indonesia will still have 41.1 million ha of primary forest, including 15 million ha on peat land. So, the palm oil moratorium was accompanied by a policy of reforestation of forest areas (on mineral soil) covering ​​500,000--550,000 ha per year, and restoration of peat areas covering ​​300,000 ha per year.

The additional target is the prevention of fires on 1.7 million ha of peat land, some of which are now surrounded by oil palm plantations. Rehabilitation of forests, peat forests, and mangroves is a practical step to store carbon in forest biomass.

Enough? Not yet. In the last four years, the government has also been busy rehabilitating mangrove forests. The target is that by 2024, as many as 630 thousand ha of mangrove areas will be green and lush again. Indonesia is the owner of the largest tropical mangrove forest in the world with a coverage of up to 3.49 million ha. 

Apart from the forestry sector, Indonesia is also responding to the issue of climate change by encouraging the electric car and motorcycle industry as well as batteries for automotive.

Appreciation John Kerry

Indonesia's concrete steps to fight climate change, through reforms in the forestry sector, received appreciation from John Kerry, US Vice President in the era of President Barack Obama (2008-2016). John Kerry became a special envoy on Climate Change in the Government of President Joe Biden. He praised the performance of President Jokowi and Minister of Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar in tackling climate change.

"Under the leadership of President Jokowi and Minister Siti Nurbaya, Indonesia has made progress in reducing deforestation," said John Kerry, in a video uploaded to Youtube to welcome the annual climate change summit, commonly known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). , which will be held in early November 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.

He also expressed his appreciation for the mangrove restoration program promoted by Indonesia in the last 4 years. In addition to having a positive impact on reducing carbon emissions, the rehabilitation of forest and mangrove areas, according to John Kerry, is also beneficial in maintaining biodiversity. ''Because Indonesia has high biodiversity,'' he said.

Furthermore, John Kerry also sees Indonesia as a large growing country, a member of the G-20, which has a high commitment to combating climate change. For that reputation, President Joe Biden invited President Jokowi and 10 heads of government in other G-20 countries, to a virtual conference of the Major of Economics Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate 2021, which was held on September 17, 2021. G-20 countries to unite opinions on crucial issues that will arise at the annual climate change conference.

At the MEF last September, Indonesia joined the US and a number of European Union countries, agreeing on a commitment to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. "That commitment will be brought to the 26th Climate Change Conference in Glasgo," said John Kerry.

Author: Putut Trihusodo

Editor: Ratna Nuraini/Elvira Inda Sari

Originally published on 26 October 2021 at https://indonesia.go.id/ under the title "Langkah Konkret Indonesia Perangi Perubahan Iklim"

Translated and adapted by Nusantara Pol

Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto, handed over two warships of the AT-8 and AT-9 Tank Transport types to the Indonesia Navy on Tuesday (26/10/2021). The ships were ordered by the Ministry of Defense and produced by the domestic Defense Industry, PT Bandar Abadi.

On the occasion, Prabowo, together with Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, Admiral Yudo Margono, and several representatives from the parliament attend the ship handover ceremony. 

"We need a guard, namely a strong Indonesian Navy to fly the red and white flag and state support," said Defense Minister Prabowo in a written statement received by Nusantara Pol. 

Aerial view of the domestically manufactured tank transport ships. (Photo: Ministry of Defense)

The two Tank Transport Ships, named KRI Teluk Weda-526 and KRI Teluk Wondama-527, are an effort to fulfill the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) III target until 2024, by helping to strengthen the domestic defense industry in accordance with President Joko Widodo's directives.

The name KRI Teluk Weda-526 is taken from the name of a bay located in Central Halmahera, Central Weda District, North Maluku, which is famous for its beautiful underwater garden, with abundant fish, one of which is the Rare Foot Shark species.

The name KRI Teluk Wondama-527 is taken from the name of the Bay in the Bird's Head area of ​​Papua Island, which is considered a floating paradise because of its natural beauty, next to Raja Ampat.

Each of the two warships has a total length of 117 meters, a width of 16.40 meters, a height of 7.80 meters with a maximum speed of 16 knots. They also have an endurance of 20 days and can carry 111 crews. In addition, these two tank transports are capable of carrying 367 troops, 15 units of BMP-3F Tanks and one helicopter unit.

The construction of the two ships is completed by PT Bandar Abadi in just 25 months or five months faster than the specified time, which is 30 months.

The entry of two Tank Transport warships, KRI Teluk Weda-526 and KRI Teluk Wondama-527, into the ranks of the Indonesian Navy's defense equipment system is expected to be able to encourage the independence of the domestic defense industry, as well as reduce foreign defense efforts, especially in the procurement of warships.

The website of the National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) was defaced. A team of hackers from Brazil claimed to be behind the attack. The hack is said to be a retaliation for cyber attacks on Brazilian government websites by Indonesian hackers.

The hackers targeted a subdomain url of the agency's main website, www.pusmanas.bssn.go.id. Until Tuesday, 26 October 2021, the particular part of site still cannot be accessed. The main website https://bssn.go.id can be opened and seems to be unaffected. 

The sub domain is said to contain information related to malwares for research purposes.

Experts stated that the hacking of the BSSN website is very concerning and ironic because the agency was formed to detect and prevent all potential cyber attacks on Indonesia's cyber domain. 

The site is said to have been hacked by theMx0nday on Wednesday (20/10/2021), last week.

The defaced website shows a massage from the hackers. (Photo: CISSReC)

"It was written by the defacement actor that this action was carried out to avenge the alleged perpetrator from Indonesia who had hacked the Brazilian state website," said cyber security expert Pratama Persadha on Monday (25/10/2021, quoted from Detik).

National Malware Center

The National Cyber and Crypto Agency (BSSN) confirmed that there had been a hack on its sub-domain, namely www.pusmanas.bssn.go.id. This is the website for the National Malware Center. 

"Yes, that's right, on October 21," said BSSN spokesman, Anton Setyawan, when contacted by detikINET, Monday (25/10/2021).

Anton said that the hacking incident of the BSSN official site is directly handled by the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) from BSSN.

"Currently, the handling of the site has been carried out by the BSSN CSIRT Team, because the site contains data regarding malwares repository," said Anton.

The malware repository in question is a site for managing malwares. It is used for research purposes.

"It (the attack) is resolved. So far the indications (the perpetrators) are from Brazil, but we are still investigating again because in this cyberspace anyone can claim," he said.

Based on the results of BSSN monitoring, there are more than 1 billion traffic anomalies or attacks in the period January to September 2021.

The West Jakarta Metro Police destroyed 299 kilograms (659.18 pounds) of marijuana and 27.1 kilograms (59.74 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine, confiscated from multiple arrests of the past two months. 

The illicit goods were collected from 14 different arrests carried out by the West Jakarta Metro Police Narcotics Investigation Unit. 

"We destroyed 299 kilograms of marijuana and 27.1 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine," said West Jakarta Metro Police Chief Commissioner, Ady Wibowo, during a press conference in Jakarta, Friday (22/10/2021), as quoted from Antara News. 

West Jakarta Metro Police officers incinerate 299 kg of marijuana. (Photo: Police doc.)

The hundreds of kilograms of dried marijuana leaves were immediately destroyed with an incinerator machine in front of the West Jakarta Metro Police office. 

"There are 17 suspects from these cases who have been arrested. They are being processed and then brought to court," he told reporters at the West Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters, Friday (22/10/2021).

Ady said that there were two distribution modes used by the suspects. The first mode is through the Inter-City Inter-Provincial (AKAP) route and the second is through the expedition route.

"We are working with Customs and Excise to secure it through the expedition route," Ady explained. 

"If they are marketed in the black market, the nominal amount is around Rp34 billions," he concluded. 

In Indonesia, marijuana and crystal meth are classified as Narcotics Category I. The suspects are subject to Articles 111, 112, 113, 114 and 132 of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. Suspects may face minimum 4 years of imprisonment and death sentence for the maximum penalty.

Yogyakarta City Police in collaboration with Yogyakarta Natural Resource Conservation Center (BKSDA) uncovered a case of illegal online trade of protected species in Indonesia. One suspect was arrested after cyber patrol officers found a Facebook page which sells endangered animals without permit. 

Read also: Female Sumatran Tiger Found Dead in a Snare Trap in Riau, Indonesia

"After we investigated, the suspect was in Semarang City (Central Java), then we coordinated with the BKSDA to arrest the suspect (with initials) RD," said the head of the Yogyakarta City Police Criminal Investigation Unit, Commissioner Andhyka Donny Hendrawan, in a press conference at the Gembira Loka Zoo Yogyakarta, Friday (22/10/2021), as quoted from Tempo. 

"During the cyber patrol, officers found a post offering protected animals to be traded online," said Andhyka, as quoted from Yogyakarta City police website.

Yogyakarta police press conference regarding trade of protected animal at Gembira Loka Zoo. (Photo: Police doc.)

Andhyka said that RD's arrest was made in Semarang on Friday (15/10/2021) a week earlier. From the hands of the 27-year-old man, the police confiscated ten wild animals. They are seven Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus), one Binturong (Arctictis binturong), one New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) and one unidentified crocodile. All animals are in healthy conditions.

The confiscated animals are temporarily kept at the Gembira Loka Zoo, Yogyakarta, for further protection and cares. Meanwhile, RD is charged with the Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems with a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of Rp100 million.

The Head of the Conservation Section for Region I Yogyakarta, Untung Suripto, appreciated the authorities for uncovering the illegal trade of protected wildlife. "(in) Yogya often occurs online animal trade, but the police also reveal a lot of these cases," said Untung. 

Javan slow loris is often traded as pet illegally.

In particular, he mentioned that the Javan slow loris is an exotic primate species. Untung recommends that the animal should be released into its habitat considering that it's very difficult to take care.

Gembira Loka Conservation Manager, Josephine Vanda Tirtayani, said she was concerned about the rampant trade in protected animals. Gembira Loka Zoo is a recreational place as well as a conservation institution that also plays a role in wild animals rescue.

Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK) supports the government's appeal asking the public not to pay their debt and interests if they have already borrowed money from illegal online lending services.

The government asks victims who borrowed from illegal online lending companies to report to the police station if they receive threats from debt collectors. 

In the fight against illegal online lending companies, the government and the OJK decided to impose multiple civil and criminal articles for the perpetrators. 

Perpetrators of the illegal online lending will be subjected to punishments for acts of extortion, unpleasant acts, electronic information and transactions law (ITE Law), and consumer protection law.

Central Java Chief of Police in a press conference regarding illegal online lending. (Photo: Indonesian Police news channel)

Quoted from Kompas, The chairman of the OJK's Investment Alert Task Force, Tongam Lumban Tobing, emphasized that the government's appeal for the public to stop paying principal and interest of illegal online loans has a legal basis.

 "From a civil law point of view, this illegal online lending does not meet (is not considered as) an agreement in accordance with Article 13 of the Civil Code," said Tongam, on Thursday (21/10/2021). 

He said, in the Civil Code, it was explained that monetary loans could be made on condition that there was an agreement between the parties, in this case the illegal online lenders as the first parties and the borrowers( debtor) as the second parties. 

However, Tongam explained, these illegal online lenders are not registered in the government administration or the OJK, so the agreements between the parties in the eyes of the civil law are considered invalid.

"There is no agreement between the parties. Because there is no equality..." said Tongam.

He stated that the illegal status makes the online loan company not recognized as an object of civil law.

This unofficial status, according to OJK, makes all debt agreements between customers and online lenders become illegal in the eyes of the law. 

"(The company) is not legal, but illegal. So this (debt) agreement is not valid," Tongam explained. 

In addition to civil law, Tongam also said that illegal online lending also violates criminal provisions. So, both civil and criminal, all illegal online loan agreements are considered invalid in the eyes of Indonesian law. 

And from a criminal point of view, this illegal online lending service also commits extortion based on the Article 368 of the Criminal Code and unpleasant acts of Article 335, as well as violations of the ITE Law and consumer protection," said Tongam. 

"Affirmation for people who have already borrowed illegal loans, there is no need to pay because from the point of view of criminal and civil law they do not meet the requirements," he said again.

On Teusday (19/10/2021), Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mohammad, Mahfud MD, have asked the customers of illegal online lending companies to stop pay their debts even if billed.

On Wednesday (20/10/2021), the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) welcomed Mahfud's statement. The member of YLKI Complaint Team, Rio Priyambodo stated that with adequate funding capabilities, the illegal companies can easily create a new online lending platform. By not paying debts to illegal the online lenders, the public indirectly participate in efforts to eradicate the harmful practice.

Quoted from Antara, The Director of Special Criminal Investigation of the West Java Police, Kombes Pol Arif Rachman, said that people who borrowed only Rp5 million in illegal online loans, in one month the interest could reach up to Rp80 million. Interests from illegal online load is up to 10 percent per day.

On Wednesday (20/10/2021), the price of Bitcoin was recorded to have penetrated 66,000 US dollars or around Rp931 million per chip. The figure is higher than the previous record in April 2021, when Bitcoin was traded at around 63,000 US dollars (Rp924 million).

The prices is decreasing to $65,000 USD on Thursday 07.00 GMT+7

Qoted from Kompas, on Tuesday, the price of Bitcoin itself was around 61,000 US dollars per chip or around Rp861 million. This price increase is said to have been triggered by the world's first Bitcoin-based futures exchange fund (ETF), ProShares Bitcoin Strategy (BITO), that was just listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Tuesday (19/10/2021).

The purchase of BITO shares itself does not mean that a user will own Bitcoin currency. However, the user will buy a portion of the fund that is traded on a futures exchange, and the fund will track other assets and future stock contracts, including Bitcoin trading assets. 

Will Etherum break out of $4,200 USD to reach a new record high as well?

Meanwhile, Ether , the world's No. 2 cryptocurrency, was up 3.63% on the day at $4,018.75, after hitting a high of $4,080, nearing its record high of $4,380 reached on May 12. On Thursday morning (21/10/2021), 07.00 GMT+7, the Etherum is trying to break $4,200.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, asked victims of illegal online loans to not pay their debts. 

"To those who became victims (of illegal online loan), don't pay," Mahfud said in a press conference his office in Jakarta, Tuesday (19/10/2021), responding to the people who fell victim to illegal online loan schemes. as quoted from Antara News. 

Online lending is familiarly referred as 'pinjol' (pinjaman online) in Indonesia.

Indonesian Police busted various illegal online lending. (Photo: Police doc.)

Mahfud added that if victims of illegal online credit are terrorized for not paying their debts, then they can report the incident to the nearest police station.

"If you don't pay and someone doesn't accept it, then (you are) terrorized, reports it to the nearest police station. The police will provide protection," said the minister.

He emphasized that criminal and civil law action will be applied to illegal online lenders. He hoped that financial technology (fintech) peer to peer lending companies that already have a license from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) or legal lenders can grow unimpeded as a result.

"We mentioned the possibility of using Article 368 of the Criminal Code, namely extortion. Then there is Article 335 of the Criminal Code on Unpleasant Acts that can be used. Then, the Consumer Protection Law, Article 29 of the ITE Law and Article 32 paragraphs 2 and 3," explained Mahfud.

Quoted from Detik, OJK stated in its Instagram account that there are several factors that make illegal loans still rampant. It stated that the process of uploading illegal applications, sites or websites are far too easy.

"The eradication is difficult because many server locations are placed abroad," it wrote, quoted on Saturday (16/10/2021).

Moreover, literacy regarding money lending is still relatively low. Borrowers are still not checking the legality of the lenders. There is limited understanding of loans. In addition, there is also an urgent need due to financial difficulties.

From OJK data for the 2019-2021 period, the number of complaints related to online loan is 19,711. The complaints consist of  9,270 serious violations and 10,441 minor or moderate violations.

Forms of complaints with serious violations include disbursement without the applicant's consent and threats of sensitive personal data dissemination.

Fake Pornographic Photo to Intimidate Customers

Quoted from Kompas, an illegal online credit collector with the initials of AKA (26)  tells how the intimidation process works at the Central Java Police Headquarters, Tuesday (19/10/2021).

AKA has been working at the loan collection office in the Tegalrejo area, Yogyakarta City, for six months. During the collection process, AKA will contact customers continuously to pay their debts.

 If not paid immediately, she will also call the emergency contact number listed by the customer. Not only that, she also edited customers photos, juxtaposed with pornographic photos, to be used as threats.

Furthermore, if the customer still does not pay, she will continue to  terrorize the customer.

If again there is no response, then the victim's edited pornographic photo will be distributed. "The picture is (sent) to the customer first, then to the emergency contact," she said.

West Java Police Arrested the Boss Who Controlled 23 Illegal Loan Applications 

On Teusday (19/10/2021, the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of the West Java Police arrested a man with the initials RSO  who played the role of senior manager who controls of 23 illegal online loan applications (pinjol). The illegal company was previously revealed to be operating in Yogyakarta.

As reported by CNN Indonesia, a total of 86 people were arrested in a raid operation targeting an office of an illegal online loan company in Samirono, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Thursday (14/10/2021).

The raid was initiated as a result of a report from a victim with the initials TM to the West Java Police. The the victim is being treated at the hospital because TM feels depressed by the inhumane suppression of the online loan.

From TM's report, the officers were immediately able to trace the location of the company. Together with the Yogyakarta Regional Police, a team from the West Java Regional Police went to the location and carried out the raid. Out of the 86 people arrested, seven becomes suspects.

From Antara News, Director of the Special Criminal Investigation of West Java Police, Kombes Pol Arif Rachman, said that RSO, who has now been named a suspect, has has a higher position than the other seven suspects who have been detained previously. 

Various raids and arrests in various places have been carried out by Indonesian Police since last week.

For instances, an illegal online loan syndicate was raided by the Central Jakarta Metro Police Satreskrim at a shophouse in Cengkareng, West Jakarta (13/10/2021). The syndicate has ensnared 5,700 customers through social media.

On Monday (18/10/2021), investigators from the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Metro Jaya Police arrested four employees when they raided an illegal online loan office of PT AIC in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. During the raid, police officers also caught the company processing immoral photos to intimidate debtors. 

On Saturday (16/10/2021), West Kalimantan Police raided an online loan office  of PT SRD in Pontianak. At that location, the police arrested 14 employees.

Online Lenders to Attach Proof of License from OJK to Enter Play Store and App Store

The Ministry of Communications and Informatics to cooperate with Google and Apple to combat illegal online credit that is rampant in Indonesia.  

Minister of Communications and Informatics, Johnny G Plate, said this was a firm action from the government, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia (BI) to address the issue of illegal lending.  

"We have communicated with Google and Apple so that there is enforcement of the electronic system in the Playstore and Appstore. So (pinjol) that wants to be uploaded must be accompanied by evidence and a license issued by the OJK," he said at a press conference, Tuesday (19/10/2021), as quoted from Detik..

Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center received a report from local police that a Sumatran tiger (Panthera Tigris sumatrae) has been found dead in a snare trap in Tanjung Leban village, Bengkalis Regency, Riau, Indonesia on Sunday (17/10/2021).

The ensnared tiger was found in a community production forest, approximately 21.85 km from the Bukit Batu wildlife reserve area.

The discovery originated from a gardener who was working near the killed tiger. The unnamed individual then reported it to the Bukit Batu Sector Police, and forwarded the news to the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (KSDA).  

The corpse of the snared Sumatran tiger being evacuated. (Photo: Riau BBKSDA doc.)

The tiger is female, a juvenile, and was found  entangled on the left front leg in a snare trap.  

The tiger corpse was immediately evacuated to Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center office in Pekanbaru for a necropsy to find out the exact cause of death and to estimate how long the tiger had been dead.

The authority has also

Read also: The Largest Flower in the World 'Titan Arum' Blooms at Cibodas Botanical Garden, Indonesia

The Result of The Necropsy

The medical team from Riau Natural Resource Conservation Center completed the necropsy on the Sumatran tiger that was found dead in Tanjung Leban Village, Bandar Laksamana District, Bengkalis Regency.

From the examination carried out on Sunday, started at 18.30  and finished at 21.00 Western Indonesia Time, the tiger was predicted to have been dead for more than 24 hours. 

Quoted from Antara News, acting head of the Riau KSDA Center, Fifin Arfiana Jogasara, explained the results of the necropsy and anatomical pathology examination.

"The cause of death of the animal is suspected to be severe dehydration, lack of nutrition, and infection in the left forefoot," said Fifin.

Read also: Indonesia Extends Activities Restricton — Fully Vaccinated Residents: 63 Millions

The corpse of the snared Sumatran tiger examined. (Photo: Riau BBKSDA doc.)

In addition, this female tiger is known to be a juvenile. "The medical team found that the tiger had never given birth," added Fifin .

From the head to the tip of the tail, the tiger was found to be 190 centimeters, with a body length of 103 centimeters, a height of  91 centimeters, a chest circumference of 86 centimeters and the tail length of 74 centimeters.

Previously, on Sunday (17/10/2021) morning, this tigress was found in a dead and stiff condition. It was first discovered that there was a snare rope wrapped around the left forefoot

The snare caused a wound so deep that the bone can be seen. "It is estimated that the individual tiger was entangled for more than five days and had died in less than 24 hours," Fifin explained. 

The authority has appealed to the entire community to not put snare traps for any reasons. Citizens are also urged to report snare discovery and the person who installed the trap at call center on 081374742981. 

After the incident, efforts were made to sweep the area for additional snares. 

In accordance with Article 40 of the Republic of Indonesia Law no. 5 of 1990 concerning Conservation of Biological Natural Resources and  Ecosystems, those who deliberately violate protected animals can be subjected to a maximum imprisonment of 5 years and a maximum fine of one hundred million rupiah. 

Likewise, those who commit violations due to negligence will be subjected to a maximum imprisonment of 1 year and a maximum fine of fifty million rupiah.

On September 24, 2021, a team from the Directorate General of Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry together with the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center and the local police thwarted the sale of a Sumatran tiger skin and two deer fetuses . The joint team managed to secure 4 suspects.

Sumatran Tigers Attacks

With the lost of habitat and prey due to deforestation, deadly interaction with Sumatran tigers are increasing. On Sunday (17/10/2021), Jambi authorities had captured a Sumatran Tiger that killed two residents this month in Merangin Regency.

Last August, a 15-year-old teenager with the initials MA was found dead without his head. It was suspected that he was attacked by a Sumatran tiger in Teluk Lanus Village, Sungai Apit District, Siak Regency, Riau  (29/8/2021). The alleged tiger was also captured.

Last July, also in Siak, Riau, a Sumatran tiger attacked a man, with the initial of A (30), who was looking for wood in the forest. The victim survived but suffered lacerations in both legs .

In June, a man with the initial of S was allegedly killed and eaten by a Sumatran tiger. The victim's body parts were found in the form of a skull, right hand and body parts. The attack also happened in Riau.

In January, a total of 5 cows belonging to residents were found dead with wounds on their necks and  missing body parts due to tiger bites in Batu Jongjong Village, Bahorok District, Langkat, North Sumatra.

A Titan Arum flower (Amorphophallus titanium), or often referred as the Corpse Flower by the locals, is in full bloomat the Cibodas Botanical Gardens, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), located in Cimacan Village, Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia.

Quoted from Antara News, Marga Anggrianto, the general manager of the botanical garden management company said "One of the Corpse Flower collections is in perfect bloom. This is a rare moment where Corpse Flower can only bloom every two to three years, even longer."

The Corpse Flower started to show its inflorescence sign since the beginning of August 2021. This is the third time the particular flower has bloomed since 2000.

The corpse flower with collection number 76i is in full bloom on Wednesday (13/10/2021) at 00.31 Western Indonesia Time. The initiation of the opening of the petals could be seen since Tuesday (12/10/2021) at 15.00 Western Indonesia Time. 

Read also: Indonesian Authorities Captured A Sumatran Tiger That Killed Two Residents of Jambi

Titan Arum "The Corpse Flower" in full bloom in Cibodas Botanical Garden.

The results of the latest measurements show that the inflorescence reached 289 centimeters (cm), a circumference of 145.5 cm, and the diameter of the petals (spatha) at the full bloom position of 128 cm.

When female flowers ripen, which usually occurs at night, it gives off a foul, carrion-like odor and the scent can be smelled from several meters. It invites pollinators, such as beetles and flies, to come. 

Amorphophallus titanium (Becc.) Becc is classified as a rare plant based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its existence in Indonesia is protected by Government Regulation No. 7 of 1999.  

Titan Arum has the largest unbranched inflorescence in the world and belongs to the Araceae family (taro). Corpse Flowers are native to Indonesia, endemic to Sumatra.

To date, Cibodas Botanical Gardens has had 13 specimens, consisting of one specimen which is the parent that was collected in the form of tubers, and 12 specimens which were propagated from seeds and planted in 2003. 

In regards to the development of Corpse Flower in Cibodas Botanical Garden, there is one specimen in the generative phase, four specimens in the vegetative phase, and eight specimens in the dormant phase. One specimen in the generative phase is the one in full bloom.

Cibodas Botanical Garden is open every day from 08.00 - 16.00 with fee Rp15,500 on weekdays and Rp25.500 on weekends. Visitors are required to show a vaccine certificate or through the Peduli Lindungi application as part of the trial opening of tourist destinations.

Indonesian Government has decided to extend its Community Activities Restrictions Enforcement (CARE) in Java and Bali until November 1, 2021 to control the spread of COVID-19.

As of today, October 19 2021, in Java and Bali, 54 regencies/cities are on CARE level 2 and 9 regency/cities are on level 1. The rest of the regions are still on level 3.

Level 4 indicates the highest restrictions where all non-essential activities are prohibited. Meanwhile, level 1 indicates the new normal, with strict health protocols, such as mandatory mask and vaccine cards for travelers, still in effect. Regions with CARE level 2 and 3 are allowed to carry out normal activities but with limited capacities.

CARE, or familiarly referred as PPKM (Pemberlakuan Pembatasan Kegiatan Masyarakat), is a cordon sanitaire policy of the Indonesian government since early 2021 to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the COVID-19 situation which continues to improve, the decision to extend the PPKM level in Java-Bali is made every two weeks, although weekly evaluations are still being carried out. 

Read also: Indonesia Badminton Men's Team Won Thomas Cup 2020! China's Domination Ends

President Joko Widodo (left) inspected door-to-door vaccinations in Central Java. (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily Rachev)

"Starting tomorrow there will be 54 regencies/cities at Level 2 and 9 regencies/cities at Level 1. The details regarding this decision will be stated through the Ministry of Home Affairs," said Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment as well as PPKM Coordinator for Java-Bali, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, in an online press conference, Monday (18/10/2021), quoted from Antara News,

"In October 17, 2021, DKI Jakarta, West Java, Yogyakarta and Bali recorded zero deaths and other provinces in Java and Bali only recorded less than five deaths per day,"  Coordinating Minister Luhut added.  

He also explained that during the past month, several agglomeration areas was unable to decrease its PPKM level because they were held back by several city and regencies which had not been able to achieve the vaccination target. 

For example, most of the regencies in the Jabodetabek area that should have been able to go down to level 2, could not go down because vaccination coverages in Bogor and Tangerang regency have not yet reached the target.

Read also: Indonesian Authorities Captured A Sumatran Tiger That Killed Two Residents of Jambi

Restrictions outside Java and Bali has been extended again until November 8th

The government has also decided to extend the implementation of PPKM outside of Java-Bali for the next three weeks, from October 19 to November 8, 2021. 

"The PPKM extension was conveyed to the President and it was approved for outside of Java, to take effect from October 19 to November 8 for 3 weeks, with evaluations still being carried out every week," said Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, at the online PPKM Development press conference, Monday (18/10/2021), as quoted from Kompas. 

Coordinating Minister Airlangga, who is also the Chairman of the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Committee (KPC-PEN), said that the development of COVID-19 cases is much better, with the percentage of active cases at 0.5 percent of the total cases or below the global average of 0.7 percent. 

As of October 16, 2021, none of the provinces outside of Java and Bali is at level 4. Of the 27 provinces, only one is still at level 3, namely North Kalimantan. 

Then, 23 provinces are at level 2, and the other three are at level 1. 

"There are already 3 (provinces) at level 1, North Sumatra, NTB (West Nusa Tenggara), and Riau Islands," said Airlangga. 

Meanwhile, in terms of regencies/cities, there are 18 regencies/cities outside Java-Bali that are at level 1. Further more, 157 regencies/cities at level 2, and 211 regencies/cities at level 3. 

Airlangga said that, in the future, the evaluation of PPKM outside Java-Bali will consider an additional indicator, namely the vaccination achievement of each regency/city.

"The evaluation is based on the level of the Ministry of Health's assessment plus one factor related to regencies/cities. If the achievement of the first dose of vaccination being less than 40 percent, then the level will be raised by one," he said.

Receivers of COVID-19 vaccination second dose has increased by 456,232

The total number residents who have received COVID-19 vaccinations with complete doses or two injections in Indonesia has increased by 456,232 people, bringing the total to 63,188,800 as of Monday (18/10/2021). 

According to data from the COVID-19 Task Force, as received by ANTARA, as many as 107,981,016 people have been injected with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, an increase by 477,788 people.

COVID-19 vaccination rate in Indonesia.

To date, 1,073,746 people have received the third injection or "booster" for the COVID-19 vaccine, an increase of 3,685 people. 

The Indonesian government is to provide 208,265,720 people with COVID-19 vaccinations. As of today, with the 63 millions second doses, the country has reached roughly 30% of the vaccination target.

As of Monday (18/10,2021), the number of positive cases in Indonesia increased by 626 people, bringing the total to 4,235,384 people since the emergence of the first case in March 2020. 

Bali Reopens For 19 Countries

Indonesian government has opened international arrivals for 19 countries directly through Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali. 

However, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said that if any of the 19 countries did not open their doors for Indonesia, the government would remove that country from the list.

 "If they haven't opened themselves up to us, because we have a reciprocal agreement, we will also drop them from the list of the 19 countries," Luhut said at an online press conference, Monday (18/10/2021), as quoted from Kompas. 

Luhut said the 19 countries that are allowed to enter Indonesia has gone through various considerations, one of which is the number of cases and the low positive rate based on the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).

International travel to Bali has began to open on October 14 2021. The 19 countries selected by the government are also allowed to enter through the arrival gate in the Riau Archipelago. 

Other countries outside the lis, can still enter Indonesia through the international travel entrance of Jakarta or Manado.

All countries, including the the the ones in the list, are still required to follow health protocol procedures that have been implemented. The  arrivals from 19 countries are required to quarantine for 5 days.

The following is the list of 19 countries that may enter directly to Bali:

1. Saudi Arabia
2. United Arab Emirates
3. New Zealand
4. Kuwait
5. Bahrain
6. Qatar
7. China
8. India
9. Japan
10. South Korea
11. Liechtenstein
12. Italy
13. France
14. Portugal
15. Spain
16. Sweden
17. Poland
18. Hungary
19. Norway

Indonesia badminton men's team have won Thomas Cup of 2020 after demolishing China 3-0 in the final. The country's 19 years long wait for the cup finally ends on Sunday, 17 October, 2021. The match was held in Ceres Arena, Aahurs, Denmark.

Thomas Cup 2020 was postponed and held this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation just like many other sporting events.

Each countries is represented by 3 single players and 2 double teams. Indonesia dominated China's team by winning the first three matches.

Indonesia lifts the Thomas Cup for the first time since 2002.

The first point was earned by Anthony Sinisuka Ginting who played against China's Lu Guang Zu. The score ended 18-21, 21-14, and 21-16. Ginting is currently Indonesia's best badminton single player, number 5 in the world, and had won Bronze in Japan Olympic 2020 last summer.

Indonesia men's double, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, defeated He Ji Ting and Zhou Hao Dong  pair and earned the second point. The match ended only after two rounds as the Indonesian pair demolished their opponents, 21-12 and 21-19.

Indonesia locked the title after Jonathan Christie won the third game at Ceres Arena, Aarhus, Denmark, on Sunday. Jonathan, often familiarly called as Jojo by fans, beat Li Shi Feng 21-14, 18-21, and 21-14. 

The game was intense and produced stunning long rallies.

This victory was also presented by Jojo to the people of Indonesia who are still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic. Jojo hopes that this result can encourage all citizens in the country.

"I dedicate this victory to all the people of Indonesia. We present the victory by reclaiming the Thomas Cup for families, coaches, support teams, PBSI administrators, and Indonesian badminton lovers," said Jonatan Christie after the match at the Scandic Hotel, Aarhus after the match on Sunday, as quoted from Detik Sport.

Indonesia President, Joko "Jokowi" Widodo also congratulated the squad via the official Instagram account.

"The tension of watching the fierceness of the 2020 Thomas Cup final tonight finally turned into excitement when Jonathan Christie jumped, clenched his fists, and shouted with joy at the end of the third game. Indonesia champion!".

"The Thomas Cup has finally returned to Indonesia after 19 years of waiting. From the homeland, I congratulate all Indonesian badminton athletes and coaches who have fought and made the nation proud at Ceres Arena, Aarhus, Denmark." As quoted from Jokowi's Instagram.

Penalty From World Anti-Doping Agency

According to Kompas.com, during the championship ceremony, Indonesia was not allowed to fly its national flag because the country is currently serving a punishment from World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The flag then was replaced with the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) logo.

WADA said Indonesia did not comply with anti-doping procedures and was therefore ineligible to host a regional, continental or international championship during the suspension period. Indonesian athletes are still allowed to participate in competitions, but cannot fly its national flag and carry the name of the country other than in the Olympics.

More About The Thomas Cup

For Indonesia, this title quenches the thirst for the cup after waiting for almost two decades. The badminton-crazed country won its last Thomas Cup in 2002. Indonesia suffered two defeats in 2010 and 2016 finals.

Thomas Cup 2020 is Indonesia's 14th title and most successful team in the tournament. China had won the cup 10 times, followed by Malaysia's 5 titles. Japan had won it once. Denmark, also with one title, is the only country outside of Asia that had won the tournament.

Thomas Cup is one of the most prestigious competition in men's badminton and often referred as world men's team championship. Teams representing member nations of Badminton World Federation compete against each other in this event every two years.

The competition that used to be dominated by Indonesia, China, Denmark, and Malaysia now becomes fiercer as more countries, such as Japan, Thailand, and India, started to develop their interest in this sport. 

Meanwhile, at Uber Cup, the women's badminton world tournament, Indonesia's squad was unable to continue to the semi-final after a 2-3 defeat against Thailand.

 Greysia Polii dan Apriyani Rahayu, the pair who won women's double gold in Tokyo 2020 Olympic, was not seen playing together. Greysia is recovering from injuries and Apriyani was paired with Putri Syaikah. 

Interestingly, the new pcombination was able to perform well and hinting Syaikah as the next generation of  Indonesia women's double, to replace Polii who may retire soon.

The Uber Cup 2020 Final is played between Japan and China women squads. The two countries produced a fierce final battle for the Uber Cup but China came out as the winner and take its 15th title.

A joint team of police and the Jambi Natural Resources Conservation Center (BKSDA) managed to capture a Sumatran tiger (Phantera tigris sumatrae) that had mauled two residents of Merangin Regency, Jambi, Indonesia, some time ago.

Quoted from Kompas.com, Sunday (10/17/2021), the Sumatran tiger was caught in a trap set by the Jambi BKSDA and the Merangin Police in village od Air Batu , Merangin Regency.

Merangin Chief of Police, AKBP Irwan Andy Purnamawan, said that the man-eater tiger was caught in a trap on Saturday (16/10/2021) at around 15:00 Western Indonesia Time. The video of the captured tiger can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aOD_M00ddc.

A screengrab from the video of the captured Sumatran Beast that terrorized Jambi.

The animal then was evacuated by the BKSDA and the Sungai Manau Police, Merangin. "The tiger will be taken to the BKSDA animal shelter in Jambi City and on its way from Air Batu Village to Jambi," said Irwan.

Irwan said the Jambi BKSDA had set up tiger traps around the location of the incident in Air Batu Village, Renah Pembarap District, Merangin Regency. 

The Sumatran Tiger Attacks in Merangin Regency

The last victim lost his life on Wednesday (13/10/2021). According to Viva, the victim was a young man named Abu Bakar (19) who died after the tiger attacked him in Bukit Tamenit, Air Baru Village, Renah Pembarap District, Merangin Regency at around 17:15 Western Indonesian Time. 

The young man was attacked by the Sumatran tiger while he was looking for a cell phone signal with his three friends in Tamenit Hill. Arriving at the location, the victim sat on the side of the road facing the forest bushes. "While playing a (cell phone) game, suddenly a tiger pounced in front of the victim, bit the victim's left hand and took him into the forest," said Andy. 

The three friends ran away to get help but the victim had suffered fatal injuries on his neck and hands. The Victim's body was found around 18:30 Western Indonesia Time.

As quoted from Tribun News, the tiger's first fatal victim was a gold miner named Rasidin (43), a resident of Guguk Village, Renah Pembarap District, Merangin Regency, Jambi.

The victim lost his life after he was attacked by the Sumatran tiger in the Batu Tunggal area, on the border between Guguk Village and Muaro Siau District, on Saturday 25 September, 2021 at around 21:30 Western Indonesia Time. The tiger killed the miner when he was resting after panning for gold in the Nilo river all day.

According to Simpang Parit village chief (26/9/2021), Mustarupi, the victim was with other Guguk residents and several people from Muara Siau District. The other miners took shelter inside an excavator thus they were able to avoid the tiger. The victim didn't have time to climb the heavy equipment and became the tiger's prey. 

A captive Sumatran Tiger in Berlin Tierpark zoon, Germany.

According to the witnesses, the tiger was huge but skinny.

A tiger also  attacked a woman named Pami (52), a rubber tapper, resident of Marus Village, Renah Pembarap, Merangin Regency.  As reported by Viva on 14 October 2021, the incident did not result in a fatality but left the victim with scratches on her hands and back. It is presumably the same tiger who had fatally attacked Abu Bakar.

The victim and the victim's husband were harvesting rubber in a plantation, 2 Km from their home. However, when the victim was walking while holding a rubber basket, suddenly from behind a Sumatran Tiger appeared. The beast immediately pounced on Pami. Luckily, Pami's husband immediately shouted for help. At that time, the husband also tried to chase the tiger away by throwing the harvested rubber,. The tiger eventually left. 

The Sumatran tiger is a population of Panthera tigris sondaica on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. This population was listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2008. There is about 441 to 679 individuals left in the wild. Conflict with human is increasing as the habitat of the Sumatran tigers is declining rapidly due to the opening of plantations.

A police officer with the initials of NP slammed a 21 years old university student, M Faris (MFA), during a protest in front of the Tangerang Regency Government office (Wednesday, 13 October 2021). NP apologizes for the incident.

The action of the officer becomes a national attention because the victim fell hard and had a seizure after being slammed. 

Photo released by Tangerang Departemental Police showing NP embracing MFA during the apology.

From a video shared by HIMATA on Instagram (university student union of Tangerang), it can be seen that MFA was slammed by a police officer. He appeared to be not moving then started to convulse a moment later. Several people, including some police officers tried to help MFA. Please note that the video contains upsetting scenes: https://www.instagram.com/p/CU93uXIB6tz/.

According to Tangerang Police Chief, Kombes Pol. Wahyu Sri Bintoro at a press conference at his office, on Wednesday (detik.com), the personnel NP have directly apologized to MFA and MFA's parents. He also stated that the officer's action was a reflex and there was no intention to harm the protester.

Wahyu also said that the Banten Province's Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Rudy Heriyanto, would firmly take action against the police officer who slammed the protester in Tangerang.

"Banten's Chief of Police will firmly take action against personnel who took security actions outside of the standard procedures and have promised directly to the victim and the victim's family," Wahyu explained.

On the same occasion, Wahyu also personally apologized for the acts of violence committed by the individual officer. 

"I, as the Head of Tangerang Police, have apologized to MFA, aged 21, who was subjected to acts of violence by a security force," said Wahyu.

Faris accompanied by his parents have met with the Banten Province's Police Chief Inspector General Rudy Heriyanto Adi Nugroho. On that occasion, Inspector General Rudy apologized personally to Faris and his parents.

The Victim's Statement

MFA himself has opened his voice after the incident. He said that his condition is fine.

"I'm Faris from Himata (Tangerang university student union) Banten. I don't have epilepsy, I also didn't die, I'm still alive," Faris said in a video as seen at detikcom, Wednesday (13/9).

Faris clarified via video at the Tangerang's departmental police (polres) media center. He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of the Tangerang Police, AKBP Leonard Sinambela.

"I'm still alive, in a fine condition, although a little sore," Faris said.

Regarding the aplogy, Fariz stated that he forgives officer Brigadier NP but he will not forget the incident.

"Seeing the apology delivered by the police, of course, I as a fellow human being accept his apology, but of course I will not forget this incident," said Faris.

Faris hopes that the police will take firm action against NP who had slammed him. "I hope the police will take firm action against the police officer," he added.

The Chronology of the Incident

Wahyu explained the chronology of the protest which resulted in one of the police officers slamming a university student. It started when protesters from universisty student unions forced their way in the government building to meet Tangerang Regent, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar. The protest coincides with the 389th anniversary of Tangerang Regency.

Tensions occurred when the Tangerang departmental police negotiator team asked representatives from the student elements to meet with officials. However, the Regent was carrying activities related to the regency anniversary so he could not meet with the representatives.

Furthermore, Wahyu explained that the protesters kept insisting on meeting with the Tangerang Regent and from there, pushing and shoving occurred. The police  then arrested one person suspected of being the provocateur.

The situation escalated and a riot occurred. That's when the police slammed one the protesters with the initials of MFA.

During the incident, the police arrested 19 students. Wahyu said that the rally was attended by  university students from five different elements and one of the group was accused of starting the riot.

What's the Protesters' Demand?

As reported by idntimes.com, Gilang Purnama, the representative of the Alliance of Student Executive Boards (BEM) in Tangerang Regency, said that there are three points to be conveyed to the Tangerang Regent.

"Of course, our three points of demand, all represent the people of Tangerang Regency," said Gilang, Wednesday (10/13/2021). 

• Demand for Tangerang Regency Government to takes action against industries that pollute the environment.
• COVID-19 volunteers had not done their main duties properly despite funding.
• Repair of the damaged roads that has not been resolved.